Recent Comments

California agency may amend truck rules

Tough economic times have resulted in the California Air Resources Board consideration of amending three truck emissions rules at its Dec. 16-17 meeting.

The recession resulted in less truck activity, which yielded better air quality but tightened business operations. The board has held several workshop series to gather public reaction, with the last set for Oct. 12.

It is considering delaying implementation of particulate matter rules from 2011 to 2012 and truck replacement from 2013 to 2015. It would exempt trucks with a gross vehicle weight rating of less than 26,001 pounds from particulate matter filter requirements. No engine less than 20 years old would be replaced until 2020.

Multiple changes will be considered for the tractor-trailer greenhouse gas rule, including extending deadlines for requiring low rolling resistance tires.

The drayage truck proposal expands the rule to include drayage trucks operating outside of rail yards and ports and weighing more than 26,000 pounds, instead of the current 33,000-pound rule.